Does royal jelly make you taller? Separating Nutritional Fact from Myth

November 1, 2025 •

3 min read

Genetics is the most significant determinant of an individual's adult height, with nutrition and lifestyle playing a secondary, supportive role. Against this background, the question, 'Does royal jelly make you taller?', is often raised, though strong human evidence does not support this claim.

Quick Summary

Limited, conflicting human studies and animal research do not provide reliable evidence that royal jelly increases height. The key factors influencing human height are genetics, a balanced diet, proper sleep, and regular exercise.

Key Points

Genetics are the Primary Factor: An individual's height is mostly determined by their genetic makeup, not dietary supplements.
Limited Human Studies Exist: The few studies investigating royal jelly's effect on human height are either small, flawed, or show no significant impact.
Animal Results Don't Translate: While royal jelly can influence growth and hormone levels in rats, these effects do not reliably extend to humans and may have unintended consequences.
Focus on Proven Growth Factors: A balanced diet rich in protein and calcium, sufficient sleep, and regular exercise are the most important modulators of growth.
Royal Jelly Has Other Benefits: Royal jelly is a source of nutrients with scientifically supported antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, but these are unrelated to height.
Consult a Doctor for Growth Concerns: Any serious growth concerns should be discussed with a healthcare provider, such as a pediatric endocrinologist, for evidence-based treatment.

The Origins of the Myth: Royal Jelly and Bee Growth

The idea that royal jelly can increase human height likely comes from its observed effects on honeybee development. Worker bees produce this substance, which is the sole food source for the queen bee throughout her existence. This continuous consumption of royal jelly results in the queen being significantly larger, living longer, and being more fertile than worker bees, despite them sharing the same genetics.

A protein called royalactin within royal jelly triggers this queen development in bees by activating a specific epidermal growth factor (EGF) signaling pathway. However, this biological mechanism is specific to insects and has not been shown to have a similar effect on human growth.

Unsubstantiated Claims vs. Scientific Evidence in Humans

Despite marketing claims and anecdotal accounts, scientific evidence does not strongly support the idea that royal jelly can increase human height, especially after growth plates have fused post-puberty. A small study in 2009 involving young football players reported a slight increase in average height among those who took royal jelly, but this study was later identified as having a significant risk of bias. A subsequent study in 2014 on young swimmers found no effect on height. The medical community generally agrees that supplements like royal jelly are not evidence-based solutions for human growth concerns.

Mixed Results from Animal Studies

Research using animal models has produced inconsistent and sometimes concerning findings. One study on young rats suggested that taking royal jelly orally could increase growth hormone levels and bone growth. However, the same study also indicated potential estrogen-like effects from royal jelly. If these effects were to occur in humans, they could prematurely close growth plates and limit overall height. While these animal study results are worth noting, they do not directly translate to human outcomes, and further research is necessary to fully understand the implications.

The Real Keys to Maximizing Natural Height Potential

Instead of relying on supplements that lack proof, focusing on established factors that support healthy growth and development is key for both adolescents and adults. These include:

Eating a Nutritious, Balanced Diet: Foods rich in essential nutrients like protein, calcium, and vitamins are crucial for the development of bones and muscles.
Ensuring Adequate Sleep: Most growth hormone is released during deep sleep, making sufficient rest vital for growing children and teenagers.
Engaging in Regular Physical Activity: Exercise, particularly activities that bear weight, can help to strengthen bones and improve overall health.
Addressing Hormonal Imbalances: Individuals with diagnosed growth problems should consult a pediatric endocrinologist for medical intervention based on scientific evidence.

Nutritional Comparison: Royal Jelly vs. Core Growth Factors


Feature	Royal Jelly Supplementation	Proven Growth Factors (Diet & Lifestyle)
Effect on Human Height	No strong or consistent human evidence. Anecdotal claims are not scientifically validated.	Highly effective. Genetics sets the potential, and proper nutrition, sleep, and exercise help reach that potential.
Mechanism of Action	Potential weak hormonal effects seen in animal models, but mechanisms for human growth are unproven and complex.	Regulated by genes and hormones (like Growth Hormone), supported by nutrients (e.g., protein, calcium, Vitamin D).
Risks & Side Effects	Allergic reactions, especially for those with asthma or bee allergies, are possible. In animal studies, potential negative effects on reproductive hormones were noted.	None associated with healthy dietary and lifestyle choices. Professional medical guidance is required for hormonal therapy.
Supporting Research	Limited and often conflicting human studies. Many studies are on animals or cell cultures.	Extensive, long-standing scientific evidence from nutritional and endocrine studies.
Best Practice	Treat as a general nutritional supplement. Its health claims are largely unproven in humans.	Prioritize a balanced diet, proper sleep, regular exercise, and professional medical consultation for specific concerns.

Conclusion: Prioritizing Evidence-Based Nutrition

There is insufficient scientific evidence to support the claim that royal jelly increases height. While royal jelly contains valuable vitamins, minerals, and amino acids, it does not act as a shortcut to growing taller. The most effective approach for individuals, especially adolescents, to reach their full natural height potential is to focus on maintaining a balanced diet, ensuring enough sleep, and engaging in regular physical activity. If there are concerns about growth, consulting a healthcare professional is the recommended course of action for personalized, evidence-based advice, rather than relying on supplements like royal jelly. For more information on methods to support healthy growth, KidsHealth is a helpful resource.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, it cannot. Once puberty is over and the growth plates in your bones have fused, no supplement, including royal jelly, can increase your height.

This belief is likely influenced by two factors: royal jelly's ability to create larger queen bees in honeybee colonies and anecdotal claims without strong scientific backing in humans.

There is a lack of reliable scientific evidence to confirm that royal jelly is beneficial for children's growth. A balanced diet of whole foods, adequate sleep, and regular exercise are the established methods for promoting healthy development.

Royalactin is a protein in royal jelly that triggers the development of a larva into a larger, longer-living queen bee. This is a specific biological mechanism in honeybees and does not apply to human growth.

Yes, some individuals, especially those with asthma or allergies to bees or bee products, can have severe allergic reactions to royal jelly. In animal studies, potential hormonal side effects were observed.

To maximize your natural height potential, focus on proven strategies such as eating a balanced, nutrient-rich diet (with sufficient protein and calcium), getting 8-10 hours of sleep per night, and engaging in regular physical activity.

Royal jelly contains various nutrients, including B vitamins and antioxidants. Research suggests it has potential antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cholesterol-lowering properties, though more human studies are needed.